DDESS District News

PEACHTREE CITY, GA — June 23, 2009 — Dr. Elaine Beraza, Director, Department of Defense (DoD) Domestic Dependent Elementary and Secondary Schools (DDESS) and Department of Defense Dependents Schools, Cuba, (DoDDS-Cuba) announced today that Mr. Joel L. Grim has been named principal of Pope Elementary School, on Pope Air Force Base, in the North Carolina District. He will replace Dr. Robert Kirkpatrick who is retiring.

Grim has served as principal of the South Dakota School for the Deaf for the past five years and will assume his duties at Pope on July 19, 2009. Prior to serving at the School for the Deaf, he was an assistant principal, principal and curriculum director for the Brandon Valley (S.D.) School District. In 1998 he was selected as the South Dakota Rookie Principal of the Year. He has taught first, second, and fifth grades and instructed Title One and accelerated students.

“Mr. Joel Grim brings to DoDEA exemplary leadership skills and experience as a classroom teacher, curriculum director and principal,” said Dr. Emily Marsh, Assistant Superintendent for the North Carolina District. “A strategic thinker with strong analytical skills, Mr. Grim sets the example for professional growth, integrity and collaboration. We are delighted that Mr. Grim has accepted the position of Pope Elementary School Principal, leaving South Dakota to join the North Carolina District!”

Grim grew up in Ohio and served five years in the U.S. Air Force. During that time, he earned his Community College of the Air Force degree and a Bachelor of Science degree from Southern Illinois University. After honorably separating, he completed his teaching degree from Chapman College. He earned his Master of Arts degree in School Administration from Azusa Pacific University and his Educational Specialist degree in School Administration from the University of Sioux Falls.

He and his wife have three children, one in high school, one in middle school and one in elementary school.

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